Theo Hernandez’s halftime substitution in Milan-Como felt like yet another setback in a season full of them. Between cooling breaks, missed penalties, and red cards, the Frenchman has struggled to find any peace—largely due to his own shortcomings, it must be said.
It later emerged that Sergio Conceição had taken him off due to a calf issue that prevented him from being at full fitness. However, Theo still found himself at the center of criticism and debate after accepting Didier Deschamps’ national team call-up for France’s upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia.
Last night, France played their first match against Croatia, suffering a defeat at the hands of Budimir and Perisic. Theo, however, was not involved, spending the entire game on the bench.
Returning home could be beneficial for Hernandez—or at least that is what Milan is hoping for. Despite his struggles, the club continues to await the best version of the Frenchman, especially as the season reaches its decisive phase. However, the impression is that the number 19 in red and black has lost his spark—the motivation that, over the past five years, cemented him as one of the best, if not the best, in his position.
Milan needs Theo Hernandez at his best for the final stretch of the season. If he can return to being the decisive player he once was, alongside his left-flank partner Rafael Leao, the Rossoneri’s chances of completing their comeback in the standings—one that seemed impossible before the Lecce away match—would significantly improve. The gap to fourth place is now just six points. It is also in Theo’s own best interest to actively contribute to this objective—not only to regain the trust of the club and fans, potentially reopening contract renewal discussions, but also to restore his appeal at an international level, which currently seems to have diminished.
While Milan still lacks a natural replacement for Theo Hernandez, his starting position is no longer secure. If he does not return from the international break with the motivation to finish the season respectably, Sergio Conceição could opt to bench him in favor of Alex Jimenez. To secure a top-four finish—or at least Europa League qualification—the Portuguese coach needs players who believe in his philosophy and share his mentality. The young Spanish full-back, born in 2005, is undoubtedly one of those players. He still has plenty of room for improvement, but when he replaced Theo Hernandez against Como, he showed he has what it takes to be a starter in this Milan side.
